All posts by Ruth Boling

Holy Week

Worship

“Make a Joyful Choice… for Holy Week!” You are invited to immerse yourself in the experience of accompanying Jesus during the days leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection. Holy Week worship services will take place in the Chapel, with the exception of  the Easter Sunrise Service which is held in the Manse Back Yard Labyrinth, at the intersection of Beech Street and Park Place. All services except the Easter Sunrise Service will be live-streamed for those who want or need to worship remotely.  Log on here: https://www.facebook.com/ChurchontheGreen/. 

Maundy Thursday, April 14, 8:00PM

Take your seat at the table for Jesus’ Last Supper and revisit the events that led him to the foot of the cross. Pastor Ruth’s meditation, “Faith Under Pressure,” will be based on Luke 22:54-62.  The Tenebrae Service of Shadows follows the sacrament of Communion and all depart in silence.

Good Friday, April 15, 8:00PM

On Good Friday we take our stand beneath the cross of Jesus to witness his passion (suffering) and grieve his death. We will listen to his Seven Last Words from the cross. Pastor Ruth’s meditation, “Choosing to Choose,” will be based on Philippians 2:5-8. The service concludes with The Solemn Reproaches of the Cross, an ancient practice that calls to mind God’s saving acts and the human response of rebellion (see Psalm 78). An undercurrent of joy flows through this somber service as we look forward to Easter morning.

Easter Sunrise Service, 6:30AM

Just as the women came to the garden early on the third day, and found the tomb empty, we gather outdoors at the break of day to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. This service is held in the Manse Back Yard Labyrinth (intersection of Beach St. & Park Place). Dress warmly! NOTE: this outdoor service will NOT be live-streamed.

Easter Worship in the Chapel, 10:45AM

Sing Hallelujah to the risen Lord! Easter worship will include the sacrament of Communion with our Risen Lord. Pastor Ruth’s sermon, “Easter and the Choice to Reconsider,” will be based on Luke 24:1-12. The children will reopen the “Hallelujah Jar” during the Children’s Message and we’ll see what happens!

Feature Article in “Presbyterians Today”

Worship

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Here’s a link to an article in “Presbyterians Today” about the way various Presbyterian churches around the country are observing the Martin Luther King Day of Service. Our church’s connection with the community-wide Martin Luther King Day initiatives in Bloomfield is part of the story! (NOTE: the planning for Bloomfield’s MLK Day of Service is incorrectly attributed to the church, rather than to the town-wide committee. We have attempted to submit a correction.) We are blessed to be a small part of large community-wide effort! You will see a few familiar faces in the photos!
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/story/pt-0122-dream/

VIRTUAL Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols, 8PM

Worship

NEW PLAN FOR CHRISTMAS EVE:  

Due to a two positive Covid cases in the congregation, we have just made the difficult decision to switch to a virtual Christmas Eve Service ONLY on Friday, Dec. 24, 8:00PM. Please join the livestream (go to https://www.facebook.com/ChurchontheGreen/ ) to hear the story of the birth of Jesus, sing carols and ponder the mystery of Christ’s incarnation. Pastor Ruth will continue her first-person sermon series with the meditation, “What Christmas Means to Me, A Shepherd.” Have a candle ready to light at the end of the service as we sing “Silent Night.”